Dr. Carlson sees patients at the Edina and Eagan locations. Click here for directions.

Hospitals: Orthopedic Institute and Fairview Southdale

Surgery Centers: Crosstown Surgery Center and Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center

Dr. Carlson is a specialist in total hip and total knee replacement. He performs direct anterior total hip replacements and robotic-assisted total knee replacements. He also performs revision total hip and total knee replacements.

Dr. Carlson is a specialist in robotic-assisted total knee replacement. Robotic-assisted total knee replacement incorporates a specialized robot to assist with surgical planning and execution. The robot is a tool that helps surgeons to be more precise and accurate with the execution of the desired surgical plan. Robotic-assisted total knee replacement is offered at many TCO locations.

The EXCEL Orthopedic Surgery and Recovery program is available to patients who are generally healthy but have an orthopedic condition that requires surgery that is not typically done as an outpatient. The surgery is done in the Crosstown Surgery Center on the third floor of the Edina TCO clinic. Dr. Carlson also performs surgery at the Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center on the third floor of the Eagan TCO clinic. Post-operative patients are transported to a specially designed medical apartment a few blocks away, where there is nursing and medical staff available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.  Because the patient is never admitted to the hospital there is a substantial cost savings and a lower risk of hospital acquired infections. This option is particularly attractive for patients who are paying their own bills, employers who are self-insured, worker’s compensation and patients travelling to the U.S. for their medical care because the costs are less than half of what they are in the hospital.

If you are a new patient, please arrive early to your appointment to complete the registration process. In addition, please bring the following:

• Driver’s License or State ID
• Referral (if required by insurer)
• Insurance information
• Copies of operation records, medical records, x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans from prior doctor visits
• List of current medications and any known allergies

It depends, as each patient’s situation is unique. If you have any questions, please contact your doctor’s care team before your appointment, and we will be very happy to address any of your questions.

Yes, absolutely. The more information we have regarding your unique situation and history, the better equipped we are to provide the highest level of care. Bringing any previous x-rays, scans, and/or documentation (if available) is recommended. If you do not have this information, don’t worry, we will still take great care of you.

Ice should be used during the acute phase (first 24-48 hours) following an injury, or whenever there is swelling. Ice decreases blood flow to the area, which in turn decreases swelling and inflammation. Heat does the opposite. It increases blood flow to the area and can provide pain relief once the swelling and inflammation has subsided. Heat is good to use prior to doing any exercises or physical therapy as it warms up your muscles.

You can use the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website to get in touch with Dr. Carlson regarding second opinions. You can also contact us via phone to schedule an appointment or speak with a member of our care team.

You can get cortisone injections every 3-4 months as long as they continue to provide symptomatic relief.

Some patients get immediate relief from a cortisone injection. For others, it may take up to two weeks for the injection to take effect. However, most people notice relief within 2-3 days. The duration of a cortisone injection can vary greatly. Some will last as long as a year, whereas others may last only a few days. It is also important to know that pain can occasionally get worse following a cortisone injection before it gets better. In the meantime, over the counter pain medications and ice are recommended.

The Crosstown Surgery Center is a 21,000+ square foot facility located at Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina clinic, offering patients a convenient, complete, and coordinated orthopedic care solution at one location. With six surgery suites, a procedure room, and several free amenities for families, the Crosstown Surgery Center is a premier orthopedic facility in Minnesota. To learn more, visit CrosstownSurgeryCenter.com.

The Eagan Orthopedic Surgery Center is a 23,000 square foot facility, located within the Twin Cities Orthopedics Eagan – Viking Lakes clinic. This facility has six surgery suites and offers patients a complete outpatient surgery solution at one location. To learn more, visit EaganOrthopedicSurgeryCenter.com

The Orthopedic Institute is a premiere destination for patients to access world-class orthopedic care. It is located on the fifth floor of Ridgeview’s Two Twelve Medical Center in Chaska.

This facility includes six operating rooms and 20 private suites for inpatient post-surgical care and recovery and has a distinct recovery space for patients returning home the same day as their surgery. At the Orthopedic Institute, we offer high quality care from a relationship-based team to help you return to the highest quality of life with optimal mobility.

When a patient sees Dr. Carlson for the first time, he always reminds them that “today is not a decision-making day.” The initial visit is about fact-gathering, listening to your story, and learning more about you. I’ll he will examine your concerns, review x-rays if you have them, and begin to build a list of options for you. Dr. Carlson wants you to feel comfortable and relaxed, so he can understand how best to help you.

If you have records from another physician, provider, or hospital you may bring them with you to your appointment. If you do not have a copy, please contact the physician, provider, or hospital prior to your TCO appointment to let them know TCO will be requesting them.

Yes, of course. Feel free to have family members or friends join you in your consultation. Many patients find it helpful to have support in the room, even as an extra set of ears to remember the details of the visit.

After your appointment, or after surgery, you can expect prompt and accessible follow-up treatment. Care continues long after surgery and Dr. Carlson and team want to be a part of your complete healing process. If you ever have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic.

If an MRI scan or other diagnostic test was ordered, you will either be called with the results once available, or another appointment will be set up for you to follow up with Dr. Carlson to discuss the results in person.

If you have questions after your appointment, please feel free to contact the clinic. You can call directly or use the General Contact Form on the Contact & Locations page of this website.